Westwood selectmen draft policy for food trucks

These days, more and more eateries are opting for four wheel instead of four walls.

Max Bowen/Staff Writer

These days, more and more eateries are opting for four wheel instead of four walls.

One of these, Captain Marden’s Seafood, hopes to send one of its Cod Suad food trucks to Weswood, prompting the Board of Selectmen to draft a policy to govern these mobile restaurants.

At its meeting on Monday, Sept. 10, the board went over a draft policy which will be discussed at a hearing on Oct. 1.

“Certain things evolve because there is one entity looking to do something,” said Town Administrator Michael Jaillet. “This was a case where we really didn’t have a policy on how they can operate in the community.”

According to the policy, mobile food vendors have the same responsibilities to their customers and the community as establishments with fixed locations, and should be required to abide by local permit in the same manner. Applicants will need to submit a business plan and pass all necessary inspections required by the Westwood Fire Department, police department and Board of Health, prior to receiving approval from the selectmen.

Terri Beal, captain of the truck slated to be used in Westwood, said Cdo Squad vehicles are used in several area communities, including Wellesley, Waltham, and Natick. Kim Marden, co-owner of the business, launched the vehicles last fall.

“It really promotes community,” said Beal.

The proposed location for the truck is on Perwal Street, near Steward Healthcare, and would be present for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The draft policy also states that the food truck will only be authorized to operate in a certain area of town, and cannot be left unattended at any time that food is kept inside. Violation of this portion of the policy can result in the vehicle being ticketed or impounded. Dining areas of any kind are not allowed, unless approved by the selectmen and Board of Health. No sound devices or flashing lights of any kind are allowed.

“We wanted to think through the issues we’re likely to encounter and get some regulations written around them,” said Jaillet.

The town administrator added that this policy is not the same as the one written for ice cream trucks, drafted after a young child was struck and killed by one of these vehicles. It prohibits the use of music or lights, and requires two people in the truck at all times. Due to these strict regulations, Jaillet said ice cream trucks are rarely seen in Westwood.